Insurtech unicorn Acko plans $300-400 million IPO: Report
The Indian startup ecosystem has been abuzz with activity in recent years, with numerous companies achieving unicorn status and several others planning to go public through initial public offerings (IPOs). The latest addition to this list is Acko, an insurtech startup that has started preparations to launch an IPO that could raise $300-400 million, according to a report by Livemint. The company, which achieved unicorn status in 2021, is backed by private equity firms General Atlantic and Multiples Alternate Asset Management.
Acko, which is headquartered in Bengaluru, is in preliminary talks with bankers, with formal pitches expected to happen next week. The company’s plans to go public come at a time when the Indian IPO market is witnessing a surge in activity, with several companies across various sectors planning to raise funds through public listings. The insurtech startup’s decision to launch an IPO is seen as a significant development in the Indian startup ecosystem, as it could pave the way for other companies in the sector to follow suit.
Acko’s Journey
Acko was founded in 2016 by Varun Dua, a serial entrepreneur who had previously founded and sold a company called Coverfox. The startup began its journey as an online insurance platform, offering a range of insurance products to customers across India. Over the years, Acko has expanded its product offerings to include health insurance, life insurance, and other types of insurance products. The company has also developed a robust technology platform that enables customers to purchase and manage their insurance policies online.
Acko’s growth has been rapid, with the company achieving unicorn status in 2021. The startup has raised significant funding from investors, including private equity firms General Atlantic and Multiples Alternate Asset Management. The company has used this funding to expand its operations, develop new products, and hire talent across various functions.
Insurtech Sector
The insurtech sector has been growing rapidly in India, driven by increasing demand for insurance products and the need for digital transformation in the industry. Insurtech startups like Acko have been at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging technology to offer innovative insurance products and services to customers. The sector has also attracted significant investment from venture capital firms and private equity investors, who see huge potential for growth in the Indian insurance market.
The Indian insurance market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing awareness about the importance of insurance and the need for financial protection. The government’s initiatives to promote insurance penetration in the country are also expected to drive growth in the sector. As a result, insurtech startups like Acko are well-positioned to capitalize on this growth and expand their operations in the coming years.
IPO Plans
Acko’s plans to launch an IPO are seen as a significant development in the Indian startup ecosystem. The company’s decision to go public comes at a time when the Indian IPO market is witnessing a surge in activity, with several companies across various sectors planning to raise funds through public listings. Acko’s IPO is expected to be one of the largest in the Indian startup ecosystem, with the company planning to raise $300-400 million.
The company’s IPO plans are also seen as a testament to the growing maturity of the Indian startup ecosystem. As more startups achieve scale and growth, they are increasingly looking to go public to raise funds and provide liquidity to their investors. Acko’s IPO is expected to be a landmark event in the Indian startup ecosystem, and it could pave the way for other companies in the sector to follow suit.
Conclusion
Acko’s plans to launch an IPO are a significant development in the Indian startup ecosystem. The company’s decision to go public comes at a time when the Indian IPO market is witnessing a surge in activity, and it could pave the way for other companies in the sector to follow suit. As the insurtech sector continues to grow and evolve, Acko is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth and expand its operations in the coming years.
With its robust technology platform, innovative insurance products, and strong investor backing, Acko is a company to watch out for in the Indian startup ecosystem. The company’s IPO plans are a testament to its growth and maturity, and it could be an exciting opportunity for investors to participate in the company’s journey.
News source: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/bengaluru-based-insurtech-unicorn-acko-eyes-400-million-ipo/tldr